This summer sees the launch of the first ever Western Isles “Cèilidh Trail”, with 8 young people from across the area set to take part.  Lewis based Fèis Eilean an Fhraoich are leading the initiative, with support from Fèisean right across the islands. The project will provide the young musicians with an opportunity to train and develop their skills, followed by a two week tour of events right across the Western Isles in August.

Auditions for the project were held in both South Uist and Stornoway during April, with Mairi Gilfedder from South Uist, North Uist pair of Eilidh MacLeod and Anna Black, and Jane Hepburn, Alanna MacCuaig, John MacLean, Rachel Campbell and Catriona Mackay, all from Lewis being selected to take part. Each member of the group is multi-instrumental, allowing plenty scope for different and varied instrumentation in their performances.

In preparation for the Cèilidh Trail, the group met up for the first time last week for a training day with Lauren and Lynsey Tait, both of whom are accomplished traditional musicians. As well as a valuable musical get together, the young performers got the chance to get to know each other plus meet with Western Isles Cèilidh Trail Co-ordinator Rhona Johnstone, and Fèisean nan Gàidheal Western Isles Development Officer Jenna Cumming.

The group have called themselves Ruitheam (Gaelic for rhythm) and will next meet when they take part in Fèis Alba in Plockton from 30th June – 4th July. This is a Fèis for cèilidh trail participants from across the country where, with the help and guidance from professional musicians including Donald Shaw (Capercaillie), Ingrid Henderson (Cliar) and Fraser Stone (Old Blind Dogs), they will rehearse and participate in a range of workshops such as using PA, stagecraft, playing for dancing, communication and performance skills. 

Jenna Cumming, Western Isles Fèis Development Officer commented that “The experience that these youngsters will get from Fèis Alba and the Cèilidh Trail itself will give them all a very good idea of what it is like to work as a professional musician. They will all learn some very valuable skills and although they will be working hard I am sure that they will all really enjoy it.”

The performances will take place over two weeks from 4th – 16th August starting in the Southern Isles and heading north to Lewis and Harris. Venues throughout the length of the Western Isles have been contacted with regard to holding a Cèilidh Trail performance which can be a cèilidh dance, concert, session or support act. Although the performance schedule is filling up fast, any venues who may still wish to arrange a Cèilidh Trail performance should contact Rhona Johnstone as soon as possible.”

Rhona commented, “The performances will be a wonderful platform for the musicians to showcase their talents as well as providing good quality entertainment for the local communities and tourism in the islands.”

The project has been made possible through support from Fèisean nan Gaidheal, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, The Scottish Arts Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Further details about the project can be obtained from Rhona Johnstone, Western Isles Cèilidh Trail Co-ordinator on 01851 830796 or by emailing her at rhona@willowcroft52.wanadoo.co.uk